Garland Summer Musicals’ latest triumph, “West Side Story,” directed by Buff Shurr and produced by Patty Granville, is a “don’t dare miss it” production.
A tale of two rival New York City gangs, the story is about a young couple who falls in love and tries to cross ethnic barriers. The results for the gang members are difficult lessons about bigotry, life and love. Maria, the sister of Bernardo, who is the leader of the Sharks, a Puerto Rican gang, falls in love with Tony, founder of a Caucasian gang called the Jets, who is no longer a gang member.
The book was written by Arthur Laurents. The music, which features favorites including “Maria,” “Tonight, Tonight” and “Somewhere,” is by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim.
Scott A. Eckert is the music director/conductor. Eckert has been recognized for his work as a music director as well as a playwright. Other credits with GSM include “Nine to Five,” “42nd Street” and “Brigadoon.”
Jeremy Dumont has a cast filled with phenomenal dancers and does an outstanding job with the choreography. The many dance numbers are exciting and eye-catching.
The actors in the three lead roles are blessed not only with the ability to act, but to sing and dance as well. Max Swarner, Maranda Harrison and Monique Abry shine in the roles of Tony, Maria and Anita.
This is Swarner’s first show with Garland Summer Musicals, but not his debut at the Granville Arts Center. He appeared in a Garland Civic Theatre production of The Sound of Music in 2002.
Harrison has worked with GSM in the past, been on a national tour performing in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and has appeared in numerous regional productions.
Abry has appeared in regional productions as well as local productions at Theatre Three, Dallas Children’s Theater, Wishing Star Productions and the Contemporary Threatre of Dallas. She has also toured North America with “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Both Kyle Igneczi and Clinton Greenspan are also standouts in their roles as the gangs’ leaders Riff and Bernardo.
There are only three more chances to see “West Side Story” – Friday and Saturday, June 19-20 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the Granville Arts Center, 300 North Fifth Street in downtown Garland. Tickets are available at www.garlandartsboxoffice.com or can be purchased in person at the arts center during regular business hours. Call 972-205-2790 for more information.